Development manager Myles Kitcher said: 'We would not be able to get a planning consent or pollution prevention and control permit if there was any danger of causing a health risk.' But Brian Cartwright, Chairman of Cheshire Against The Incinerator (CHAIN) said: 'All incinerators emit noxious chemicals.

'It's important we make it known we don't want to become a regional dumping ground. You should all lobby our MPs.'

Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall said: 'I back The Chronicle campaign. Until we get an absolute guarantee ruling out an effect on public health it's not worth taking the risk.

'This location is close to a large number of homes which gives me cause for concern. And is it right we should be bringing waste in from outside Cheshire?'

Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien, added: 'Although the site is not in my constituency the effects could be, because the scientific evidence I've seen points towards a 10-mile fall-out radius.

'I'm strongly signed up to opposing the incinerator on health grounds and also feel the county should be finding local solutions for local waste - this extends way beyond that.'